Check your hose clamps with or without a cab

[George2615]

Just an FYI. Usually, hose clamps are not on my list of things to check before running the tractor.
Two weekends ago we had about 26" or so of snow. I used the tractor plowing the snow and noticed the cab wasn't getting warm. No heat and the temp gauge was climbing way above the normal range. Stopped the tractor and found the radiator was about 1/2 gallon or so low on antifreeze. Topped it off, restarted and checked for any visible leaks. Didn't see anything pouring out so I went back to plowing and all was good. No time in past couple weeks to check for leaks. Fast forward to today. I finally got a chance to check for leaks and found a leak under the starter where the cab heater hoses are coupled together. Luckily it was just loose hose clamps (4 of them, 2 per hose). Tightened those clamps plus checked all other hose clamps I could find. Every hose clamp I found was loose. Using a 3/8" socket and ratchet got them all tight. Topped off the radiator reservoir with another 1/2 gallon of antifreeze. Wiped off the drips and did a full inspection / checklist on the tractor. My tractor is just under 3 years old and I was glad I caught this before it became a more serious problem.

 

[Creamer]

I have never checked hose clamps. Never had one loosen.

 

[George2615]

I never did either and mine did not leak till now (2 years and 10 months) later.

 

[hturner12]

I am getting ready to do the first 50 hour on my XG 3025 . I was reading the manual last night and one the first 50 was to check hose clamps

 

[SandburRanch]

Loose clamps weren't a problem 50 years ago but it seems the invention was light years ahead of the general public and mechanics comprehension so failure to sell over the long term was inevitable.

 

[cford36]

Interesting this thread is here. Found small pool of cooland under the right side. Seemed to be one of the heater hoses. As you said George, all the hose clamps took some turns to snug up. Looks like that took care of it. Only 5 hours on her so the factory didn't snug them up I guess. Sure is tight working in there!

 

[hturner12]

Interesting this thread is here. Found small pool of cooland under the right side. Seemed to be one of the heater hoses. As you said George, all the hose clamps took some turns to snug up. Looks like that took care of it. Only 5 hours on her so the factory didn't snug them up I guess. Sure is tight working in there!

Look at the first 50 hour. Them, fan belt tension, torque ck on lugs,frame mounts

 

[newbury]

Basically check every bolt and nut you can reach.

 

[hturner12]

Guess they never heard of locktite

 

[RNeumann]

Loose clamps weren't a problem 50 years ago but it seems the invention was light years ahead of the general public and mechanics comprehension so failure to sell over the long term was inevitable.

This is the answer! Not only do the other ones change tension over time they don't provide uniform tension around the circumference.